“At a time when we want to see more police on our streets we are fighting to save such services.

Mr Simpson has met with the PSNI and with the Justice Minister to discuss protecting services in the heart of our communities.

Mr Simpson said, “The dark nights are fast approaching and unfortunately for many this instils fear especially for the elderly.

“Again and again we are hear about services being cut and budget restraints but I cannot and will not sit back and watch our communities become filled with crime.

“At a recent meeting with the PSNI to discuss their budgetary pressures I made my position very clear that whatever the new structures are to be, they must first and foremost protect the citizens of our area and be implemented with the confidence of the community.”